Proximity synchronization of audio content among multiple playback and storage devices

ABSTRACT

A wireless communication system and in particular to a wireless communication system for digital audio players that provides for increased functionality, such as communication, interaction and synchronization between a computing platform and various mobile, portable or fixed digital audio players, as well as providing a communication link between the various digital audio players themselves. The computing platform may act, for example, through a wireless network or wireless communication platform, to control the digital audio players; to act as a cache of digital audio data for the digital audio players; as well as provide a gateway to the Internet to enable the digital audio players to access additional digital audio content and other information. The computing platform may also be used to automatically update digital audio content on the digital audio players; synchronize digital audio content and playlists between digital audio players; and automatically continue a particular playlist as the user moves from one digital audio player to another.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is related to the following commonly-ownedco-pending patent applications: “Proximity Synchronizing Audio GatewayDevice,” by Jeffrey J. Spurgat, S. Christopher Gladwin and Hoyet H.Andrews III, Ser. No. ______,Attorney Docket No. 11748/19; and“Proximity Synchronizing Audio Playback Device,” by Jeffrey J. Spurgat,S. Christopher Gladwin and Hoyet H. Andrews III, Ser. No. ______,Attorney Docket No. 11748/18, both filed on even date.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a wireless communication systemand more particularly to a wireless communication system for digitalaudio players for providing increased functionality includingcommunication, interaction and synchronization between a computingplatform and various digital audio players as well as communicationamong the digital audio players themselves.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] A multitude of different devices for digital audio playback areknown. Handheld or portable audio players, mobile as well as fixed audioplayers are known. Examples of such handheld audio players are compactdisc (CD) players and MP3 players. Such mobile audio players includeaudio players, such as CD players, mounted in vehicles. Such mobileaudio players are known to be mounted either in-dash in the vehicle orin the case of conversion vans and recreational vehicles in ceiling ofthe vehicle. Examples of fixed digital audio playback devices includestand-alone players, such as boom boxes and rack players that areadapted to connect to a home stereo system and to an AC power source.

[0006] Digital audio content from the Internet is known to be downloadedonto storage devices, such as CDs, by way of a personal computer. SuchInternet-based digital audio content has also been downloaded ontoportable MP3 audio players. Although such systems allow selected digitalaudio content to be played when desired by the user, such systems onlyallow rather limited functionality. As such, various functions, such asinteraction, communication and synchronizing the digital content on aplurality of digital audio players must be done manually. Thus, there isa need for system for providing increased functionality of variousdigital audio players.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention relates to a wireless communication systemand in particular to a wireless communication system for digital audioplayers that provides for increased functionality, such ascommunication, interaction and synchronization between a computingplatform and various mobile, portable or fixed digital audio players, aswell as providing a communication link between the various digital audioplayers themselves. The computing platform may act, for example, througha wireless network or wireless communication platform, to control thedigital audio players; to act as a cache of digital audio data for thedigital audio players; as well as provide a gateway to the Internet toenable the digital audio players to access additional digital audiocontent and other information. The computing platform may also be usedto automatically update digital audio content on the digital audioplayers; synchronize digital audio content and playlists between digitalaudio players; and automatically continue a particular playlist as theuser moves from one digital audio player to another.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] These and other advantages of the present invention will bereadily understood with reference to the following specification andattached drawings wherein:

[0009]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital audio communication systemin accordance with the present invention.

[0010]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a digital audio gateway in accordancewith the present invention.

[0011]FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a wireless communication networkwhich includes various digital audio players in accordance with thepresent invention.

[0012]FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a system which utilizes a personalcomputing platform for communicating with a plurality of audio players.

[0013]FIG. 5 is an alternate embodiment of the invention whichillustrates the use of a television set top box as a communication linkfor communicating with a plurality of digital audio players inaccordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention.

[0014]FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an alternate embodiment of theinvention which illustrates a communication system between a number ofdigital audio players and stand-alone audio gateway.

[0015]FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a communication network betweenvarious digital audio players in accordance with another aspect of thepresent invention.

[0016]FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the computing platform in accordancewith the present invention.

[0017]FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a stand-alone audio gateway inaccordance with the present invention.

[0018]FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a mobile digital audio player inaccordance with the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a fixed digital audio player inaccordance with the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a handheld or portable digital audioplayer in accordance with the present invention.

[0021]FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an automotive digital audio playerin accordance with the present invention.

[0022]FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a rack player in accordance with thepresent invention.

[0023]FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a stand-alone digital audio playerin accordance with the present invention.

[0024]FIG. 16 is a flow diagram of the audio gateway message handling inaccordance with the present invention.

[0025]FIG. 17 is a flow diagram of the audio gateway discovery inaccordance with the present invention.

[0026]FIG. 18 is a flow diagram of the audio gateway drop-out detectionin accordance with the present invention.

[0027]FIG. 19 is a flow diagram of the audio gateway contentsynchronization in accordance with the present invention.

[0028]FIG. 20 is a flow diagram of the audio gateway playlistcontinuation in -accordance with the present invention.

[0029]FIG. 21 is a flow diagram of the player message handling inaccordance with the present invention.

[0030]FIGS. 22 and 23 are flow diagrams of the player discovery inaccordance with the present invention.

[0031]FIG. 24 is a flow diagram of the player drop-out detection inaccordance with the present invention.

[0032]FIG. 25 is a flow diagram of the player content synchronization inaccordance with the present invention.

[0033]FIGS. 26 and 27 are flow diagrams of the player playlistcontinuation feature in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The present invention is adapted to provide additionalfunctionality of digital audio players. For example, in one embodiment,as illustrated in FIG. 1, a computing platform 103, for example, apersonal computer, is used as a gateway to enable various digital audioplayers 115 and 116 to be connected to the Internet or other computernetwork 102. In this embodiment, the computing platform 103 may beconfigured to access one or more servers 100 on the Internet or othercomputer network 102 that contain digital audio content and otherinformation 101, such as artists, track names, album names, lyrics, andplaylists, among other things. Though the computing platform 103 can actas a digital audio player by itself, in this embodiment of theinvention, the computing platform 103 acts as an audio gateway forvarious digital audio players 115 and 116, and can additionally providecaching of the digital audio content and other information 101 for thedigital audio players 115 and 116 from the servers 100 that areconnected to the computing platform 103 through the Internet or othercomputer network 102. Using a wireless network or wireless communicationplatform 104, the computing platform 103 is adapted to communicate withvarious digital audio players, such as one or more mobile digital audioplayers 115 and fixed digital audio players 116 that are within range ofthe wireless network or wireless communication platform 104 forming alocal wireless network as generally illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0035] Various devices are contemplated for use as audio gateways, forexample, as shown in FIG. 2. In one embodiment, a personal computer 105coupled to an internal or external wireless communication network orwireless communication platform 104, for example, an access point 106,is used as an audio gateway. Alternatively, a set top box 107 with awireless network or wireless communication platform 104, coupled to aconventional TV 108, may be used as an audio gateway. A stand aloneaudio gateway 109 may also be formed from a wireless network or wirelesscommunication platform 104. Other embodiments of an audio gateway arealso contemplated. For example, any device with a wireless network orwireless communication platform 104, either public or private, may beused.

[0036] In another embodiment of the invention, the computing platform103 may be configured to automatically synchronize, or upon request,copy, add or remove digital audio content and other information 101,such as playlists, on mobile digital audio players 115 and fixed digitalaudio players 116. The computing platform 103 may also be used tocontrol mobile digital audio players 115 and fixed digital audio players116 by changing the current playlist or the currently playing digitalaudio content, among other things, on the mobile digital audio players115 or fixed digital audio players 116.

[0037] In another embodiment of the invention as illustrated in FIG. 7,the system enables communication between various digital audio players,such as the digital audio players 110-113. This embodiment may be alsoincorporated with a computing platform 103, for example, acting as agateway, as discussed above, or alternatively using the computingplatform 103 for synchronization among the various digital audio players110-113 or other functions, such as those discussed above.

[0038] Audio Gateway

[0039] FIGS. 4-6 represent an exemplary network configuration, utilizingdifferent audio gateways for enabling connection of the digital audioplayers 110-113 to the Internet or other computer network 102. Theseexamples are by no means the only possible configurations that supportthe invention and do not necessarily cover all aspects of the invention.

[0040] Personal Computer and Digital Audio Players Configuration

[0041] The first exemplary configuration, shown in FIG. 4, uses apersonal computer 105 as the audio gateway. The personal computer 105connects to the Internet or other computer network 102 using aconventional network interface or modem 137. The personal computer 105is thus able to download digital audio content and other information 101from the server 100 (FIG. 1) connected to the Internet or other computernetwork 102. The digital audio content and other information 101, suchas artists, track names, album names, lyrics, and playlists, can then bestored in a persistent storage 133 (FIG. 8), such as a hard drive, onthe personal computer 105. The user can also create new playlists usingthe personal computer 105.

[0042] In this embodiment, a wireless access point 106 is used to accessthe wireless network or wireless communication platform 104. Thewireless network or wireless communication platform 104 is used by thepersonal computer 105, acting as the audio gateway, to communicate withmobile digital audio players 115 and fixed digital audio players 116.The personal computer 105, using the wireless network or wirelesscommunication platform 104, is able to, either automatically or at userrequest, pass the digital audio content and other information 101,including new playlists, to mobile digital audio players 115 and fixeddigital audio players 116. If a fixed digital audio player 116, such asa stand-alone player 112 or a rack player 113 that connects to a stereo114, happens to be turned off at the time, then the personal computer105 is able to automatically detect the next time the fixed digitalaudio player 116 is turned on. When the personal computer 105 detectsthat a fixed digital audio player 116 has just turned on, then thepersonal computer 105 can pass the digital audio content and otherinformation 101 to the fixed digital audio player 116 at that time.Mobile digital audio players 115, such as automotive players 110 andhandheld players 111, may be out of range of the wireless network orwireless communication platform 104 during normal use. When a mobiledigital audio player 115 comes into range of the wireless network orwireless communication platform 104, the personal computer 105, actingas an audio gateway, can automatically detect the mobile digital audioplayer 115 and pass the digital audio content and other information 101at that time.

[0043] In addition, the personal computer 105 can, either automaticallyor upon user request, determine the current playlist and currentposition within the playlist on a particular mobile digital audio player115 or fixed digital audio player 116. Then the personal computer 105can propagate this playlist information to any other mobile digitalaudio players 115 and fixed digital audio players 116 that are on and inrange. This allows a user to move from one mobile digital audio player115 or fixed digital audio player 116 to another mobile digital audioplayer 115 or fixed digital audio player 116 and automatically be ableto continue the same music and playlist in a seamless manner.

[0044] Set-Top Box and Digital Audio Players Configuration

[0045] Another exemplary configuration, shown in FIG. 5, uses a set-topbox 107 as the audio gateway. The set-top box 107 can connect to theInternet or other computer network 102 either through the same cable orby way of a satellite connection that provides the analog or digitalaudio or video 151 (FIG. 8) that is passed to an audio or video playbackdevice, such as a television set 108, or through an internal or externalnetwork interface or modem 137. The set-top box 107 can thus downloaddigital audio content and other information 101 from a server 100,connected to the Internet or other computer network 102. The digitalaudio content and other information 101, such as artists, track names,album names, lyrics, and playlists, can then be stored in persistentstorage 133, such as a hard drive or flash memory, on the set-top box107.

[0046] In this embodiment, a wireless network interface or wirelesscommunication interface 141 is used to handle the wireless network orwireless communication platform 104. The set-top box 107, acting as theaudio gateway, uses the wireless network or wireless communicationplatform 104 to communicate with mobile digital audio players 115 andthe fixed digital audio players 116. The set-top box 107, using thewireless network or wireless communication platform 104, is able to,either automatically or upon user request, pass the digital audiocontent and other information 101 to mobile digital audio players 115and fixed digital audio players 116.

[0047] If a fixed digital audio player 116, such as a stand-alone player112 or a rack player 113 that connects to a stereo 114, happens to beturned off at the time, then the set-top box 107 is able toautomatically detect the next time the fixed digital audio player 116 isturned on. When the set-top box 107 detects that a fixed digital audioplayer 116 has just turned on, then the set-top box 107 can pass thedigital audio content and other information 101 to the fixed digitalaudio player 116 at that time. Mobile digital audio players 115, such asautomotive players 110 and handheld players 111, are typically out ofrange of the wireless network or wireless communication platform 104during normal use.

[0048] When a mobile digital audio player 115 comes into range of thewireless network or wireless communication platform 104, the set-top box107, acting as an audio gateway, can automatically detect the mobiledigital audio player 115 and pass the digital audio content and otherinformation 101 at that time. In addition, the set-top box 107 candetermine, either automatically or upon user request, the currentplaylist and current position within the playlist on a particular mobiledigital audio player 115 or fixed digital audio player 116. Then theset-top box 107 can propagate this playlist information to any othermobile digital audio players 115 and fixed digital audio players 116that are on and in range. This allows a user to move from one mobiledigital audio player 115 or fixed digital audio player 116 to anothermobile digital audio player 115 or fixed digital audio player 116 andautomatically be able to continue the same music and playlist in aseamless manner.

[0049] Stand-Alone Gateway and Digital Audio Players Configuration

[0050] Another exemplary configuration, shown in FIG. 6, uses astand-alone audio gateway 109 as the audio gateway. The stand-aloneaudio gateway 109 connects to the Internet or other computer network 102using a network interface or modem 137. The stand-alone audio gateway109 can download digital audio content and other information 101 from aserver 100 connected to the Internet or other computer network 102. Thedigital audio content and other information 101, such as artists, tracknames, album names, lyrics, and playlists, can then be stored inpersistent storage 133, such as a hard drive or flash memory, on thestand-alone audio gateway 109. In this embodiment, a wireless networkinterface or wireless communication interface 141 (FIG. 8) is used tohandle the wireless network or wireless communication platform 104. Thewireless network or wireless communication platform 104 is used by thestand-alone audio gateway 109 to communicate with mobile digital audioplayers 115 and fixed digital audio players 116. The stand-alone audiogateway 109, using the wireless network or wireless communicationplatform 104, is able to, either automatically or at user request, passthe digital audio content and other information 101 to mobile digitalaudio players 115 and fixed digital audio players 116. If a fixeddigital audio player 116, such as a stand-alone player 112 or a rackplayer 113 that connects to a stereo 114, happens to be turned off atthe time, then the stand-alone audio gateway 109 is able toautomatically detect the next time the fixed digital audio player 116 isturned on. When the stand-alone audio gateway 109 detects that a fixeddigital audio player 116 has just turned on, then the stand-alone audiogateway 109 can pass the digital audio content and other information 101to the fixed digital audio player 116 at that time.

[0051] Mobile digital audio players 115, such as automotive players 110and portable or handheld players 111, may be out of range of thewireless network or wireless communication platform 104 during normaluse. When a mobile digital audio player 115 comes into range of thewireless network or wireless communication platform 104, the stand-aloneaudio gateway 109 can automatically detect the mobile digital audioplayer 115 and pass the digital audio content and other information 101at that time.

[0052] In addition, the stand-alone audio gateway 109 can, eitherautomatically or upon user request, determine the current playlist andcurrent position within the playlist on a particular mobile digitalaudio player 115 or fixed digital audio player 116. Then the stand-aloneaudio gateway 109 can propagate this playlist information to any othermobile digital audio players 115 and fixed digital audio players 116that are on and in range. This allows a user to move from one mobiledigital audio player 115 or fixed digital audio player 116 to anothermobile digital audio player 115 or fixed digital audio player 116 andautomatically be able to continue the same music and playlist in aseamless manner.

[0053] Local Wireless Network

[0054] In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, a local wireless networkis formed which enables wireless communication between a host, such as apersonal computer 105, a stand alone audio gateway 109, a set top box107, and various digital audio players, such as mobile digital audioplayers 115, fixed digital audio players 116, a stand alone audiogateway 109 and a set top box 107, for example, configured in a startopography. As shown, various audio gateways are used to establish thenetwork. However, in this embodiment, audio gateways, which contain awireless network or wireless communication platform 104 as discussedabove, are used primarily for establishing network communication and mayor may not be connected to a remote server 100.

[0055] Wireless communications between the computing platform 103 andmobile digital audio players 115 and fixed digital audio players 116,can be done using industry standard wireless communications andnetworking technology, such as Bluetooth, HomeRF, and IEEE 802.11. Inaddition, with respect to this invention, a proprietary wirelesscommunications technology may also be used for wireless communications.Use of the wireless network or wireless communication platform 104 bycomputing platforms 103, mobile digital audio players 115, and fixeddigital audio players 116 may be handled as an internal or externalperipheral in the form of a wireless network interface or wirelesscommunication interface 141. The wireless network or wirelesscommunication platform 104 may also require an external wireless accesspoint 106 to handle or facilitate wireless communications and to act asa bridge between the wireless network and wired networking connections,such as may be used by a personal computer 105.

[0056] Communication Between Digital Audio Players

[0057]FIG. 7 illustrates a wireless network configuration which enablescommunication directly among various digital audio players without ahost. The various digital audio players, such as mobile digital audioplayers 115 and fixed digital audio players 116, use the same wirelessnetwork or wireless communication platform 104 that is used towirelessly communicate with the computing platform 103, to communicatewith each other. The wireless communication between the various digitalaudio players may be handled by an internal or external wireless networkinterface or wireless communication interface 141 (FIGS. 10 and 11) ineach of the disposed digital audio players. In this embodiment,communication between the various digital audio players include directlypassing digital audio content and other information 101, includingplaylists from, for example, one mobile digital audio player 115 orfixed digital audio player 116 to another.

[0058] Computing and Player Architectures

[0059]FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate architectures for the computing platformand stand-alone audio gateway platforms. FIGS. 10-15 illustrate thearchitectures for the various digital audio player platforms. As shown,the architecture of the various platforms is similar. Thus, likereference numbers are used for like components for clarity.

[0060] Computing Platform

[0061]FIG. 8 illustrates the typical system architecture of a computingplatform 103, which can encompass anything from general-purpose devices,such as personal computers 105, to open fixed function devices, such asset-top boxes 107 or stand-alone audio gateways 109, among others. Ingeneral, the computing platform 103 has a main processor 130, such as anIntel Pentium III, for executing various software components. Thevarious software instructions are typically stored in read only memory,or ROM, or flash memory 136, or local storage 132. The local storage 132can consist of persistent storage 133, such as hard drives or flashmemory, or removable storage 134, such as floppy drives, CD-ROM drives,or DVD drives. The software instructions may be executed by the mainprocessor 130 directly from their storage location or loaded into randomaccess memory or RAM 135 to be executed from RAM 135 by the mainprocessor 130. The local storage 132 can also be used to cache digitalaudio content and other information 101.

[0062] The computing platform 103 uses a network interface or modem 137to access servers 100 on the Internet or other computer network 102, inorder to download digital audio content or other information 101. Thenetwork interface or modem 137, for example, a 3COM Etherlink 10/100 PCInetwork interface card, may be connected internally or externally to thecomputing platform 103 using a system bus or peripheral bus 131. Thesystem bus and peripheral buses 131 are provided for connecting internaland external devices to the computing platform 103 in a standard manner.Typical system and peripheral buses 131 include Universal Serial Bus,commonly referred to as USB, IEEE 1394 bus, commonly referred to asFireWire, and Peripheral Connect Interface, commonly referred to as PCI.

[0063] The computing platform 103 also supports connection through auser input interface 142 to external or integrated user input devices153, such as keyboards and mice. In order to provide for output to theuser, the computing platform 103 may also contain a display controller138, for example, an NVIDIA Model No. GeForce2, which stores graphicaldata such as windows, bitmaps and text. The display controller 138outputs the graphical data in a video output 150 format that istypically displayed to the user on a video monitor, television 108, orLCD panel. In addition to video output 150, the computing platform 103can provide audio output 152, which is handled by audio playbackhardware 140.

[0064] For a computing platform 103 that is acting as a set-top box 107,the computing platform 103 will likely also contain an analog or digitalaudio and video decoder 139, for example, a C-Cube Model No. AViA 600,hereby incorporated by reference. The analog or digital audio and videodecoder 139 decodes the analog or digital audio or video 151 fromsources such as cable or satellite, and passes the audio output 152 andvideo output 150 to an audio and video playback device, such as atelevision set 108.

[0065] For wireless communication with other computing platforms 103,and various digital audio players, such as mobile digital audio players115, and fixed digital audio players 116 on a wireless network orwireless communication platform 104, the computing platform 103 uses aninternal or external wireless network interface or wirelesscommunication interface 141. It should be noted that a computingplatform 103 is not limited to the capabilities and features listed inthis description, but may contain a subset of the described features ormay contain additional capabilities or features not listed.

[0066] Gateway Platform

[0067]FIG. 9 demonstrates some of the unique capabilities of thestand-alone audio gateway 109, though this example is by no meanscomplete or exhaustive in its coverage of the possible options for astand-alone audio gateway 109. In particular, the stand-alone audiogateway 109 acts as a fixed function device, whose main purpose is to bean audio gateway. The fixed function nature of the stand-alone audiogateway 109 is unlike the personal computer 105, which exists as ageneral-purpose computing device. The stand-alone audio gateway 109 isable to connect to the Internet or other computer network 102 using aninternal or external network interface or modem 137. The stand-aloneaudio gateway 109 is able to cache digital audio content and otherinformation 101 downloaded from a server 100 connected to the Internetor other computer network 102 into persistent storage 133, such as ahard drive, on the stand-alone audio gateway 109.

[0068]FIG. 9 illustrates a typical system architecture of thestand-alone audio gateway 109. In general, the stand-alone audio gateway109 has a main processor 130 for executing various software components.The various software components are typically stored in read onlymemory, or ROM, or flash memory 136, or local storage 132. Local storage132 can consist of persistent storage 133, such as hard drives or flashmemory, or removable storage 134 such as floppy drives, CD-ROM drives,or DVD drives. The software components are executed by the mainprocessor 130 directly from their storage location or are loaded intorandom access memory or RAM 135, to be executed from RAM 135 by the mainprocessor 130. Local storage 132 can also be used to cache digital audiocontent and other information 101. The stand-alone audio gateway 109uses a network interface or modem 137 to access servers 100 on theInternet or other computer network 102, in order to download digitalaudio content or other information 101. The network interface or modem137 is connected internally or externally to the stand-alone audiogateway 109 using a system bus or peripheral bus 131. The system bus andperipheral buses 131 are provided for connecting internal and externaldevices to the stand-alone audio gateway 109 in a standard manner.Typical system and peripheral buses 131 include Universal Serial Bus,commonly referred to as USB, IEEE 1394, commonly referred to asFireWire, and Peripheral Connect Interface, commonly referred to as PCI.The stand-alone audio gateway 109 also supports connection through auser input interface 142 to external or integrated user input devices153, such as buttons, keyboards and mice. For output to the user, thestand-alone audio gateway 109 may contain a display controller 138,which stores display data such as windows, bitmaps and text. The displaycontroller 138 outputs the display data in a video output 150 formatthat is typically displayed to the user on a video monitor, television108, or LCD panel. In addition to video output 150, the stand-aloneaudio gateway 109 can provide audio output 152, which is handled byaudio playback hardware 140. For wireless communication with mobiledigital audio players 115, and fixed digital audio players 116 on awireless network or wireless communication platform 104, the stand-aloneaudio gateway 109 uses an internal or external wireless networkinterface or wireless communication interface 141. It should be notedthat a stand-alone audio gateway 109 is not limited to the capabilitiesand features listed in this description, but may contain a subset of thedescribed features or may contain additional capabilities or featuresnot listed.

[0069] Mobile Player

[0070] Many different types of mobile digital audio players 115 aresuitable for use with the present invention. FIG. 10 demonstrates thegeneral architecture for a mobile digital audio player 115. In general,a mobile digital audio player 115 has a processor 155 that isresponsible for executing various software and firmware components. Thevarious software and firmware components are typically stored in readonly memory, or ROM, or flash memory 158 or in player storage 156, suchas a hard drive, flash memory, or removable media. The software andfirmware components are executed by the processor 155 directly fromtheir storage location or are loaded into random access memory or RAM157 to be executed from RAM 157 by the processor 155. Player storage 156can also be used for storing digital audio content and other information101, such as artists, track names, album names, lyrics, and playlists,for later playback and presentation to the user. Typically, the digitalaudio content 101 is in some encoded format. The audio decoder 162decodes the digital audio content 101 and passes it to the audio digitalto analog converter 163, or DAC. The audio DAC 163 converts the decodedaudio to analog and then provides audio output 166 from the mobiledigital audio player 115. The audio output 166 of a mobile digital audioplayer 115 is typically passed to an amplifier or headphones.Communication using a wireless network or wireless communicationplatform 104 by the mobile digital audio player 115 with a computerplatform 103, other mobile digital audio players 115, and fixed digitalaudio players 116 is done using an internal or external wireless networkinterface or wireless communication interface 141. For input from theuser, the mobile digital audio player 115 contains user inputs 165, suchas buttons or a touch screen. The user input interface 164 handles theactual interface with the user inputs 165, while interpretation of theseinputs are typically handled by software and firmware running on theprocessor 155. For output to the user, the mobile digital audio player115 may contain a display controller 160, which can provide text andpossibly graphical output to the user on an LCD display 161. Tying ofthe functional components and processor 155 together is typically doneusing a system bus and peripheral buses 159. Examples of system andperipheral buses 159 include Universal Serial Bus, commonly referred toas USB, IEEE 1394, commonly referred to as FireWire, and PeripheralConnect Interface, commonly referred to as PCI. It should be noted thatsome of the functional blocks described might encompass multiplephysical components. As well, multiple functional blocks may becontained in a single physical component. It should also be noted that amobile digital audio player 115 is not limited to the capabilities andfeatures listed in this description, but may contain a subset of thedescribed features or may contain additional capabilities or featuresnot listed.

[0071] Fixed Player

[0072] There are many different types of fixed digital audio players116. FIG. 11 demonstrates the general architecture for a fixed digitalaudio player 116. In general, a fixed digital audio player 116 has aprocessor 155 that is responsible for executing various software andfirmware components. The various software and firmware components aretypically stored in read only memory, or ROM, or flash memory 158 or inplayer storage 156, such as a hard drive, flash memory, or removablemedia. The software and firmware components are executed by theprocessor 155 directly from their storage location or are loaded intorandom access memory or RAM 157 to be executed from RAM 157 by theprocessor 155. Player storage 156 can also be used for storing digitalaudio content and other information 101, such as artists, track names,album names, lyrics, and playlists, for later playback and presentationto the user. Typically, the digital audio content 101 is in some encodedformat. The audio decoder 162 decodes the digital audio content 101 andpasses it to the audio digital to analog converter 163, or DAC. Theaudio DAC 163 converts the decoded audio to analog and then providesaudio output 167 from the fixed digital audio player 116. The audiooutput 167 of a fixed digital audio player 116 is typically passed to astereo, amplifier, speakers or headphones. Communication using awireless network or wireless communication platform 104 by the fixeddigital audio player 116 with a computing platform 103, mobile digitalaudio players 115, and other fixed digital audio players 116, is doneusing an internal or external wireless network interface or wirelesscommunication interface 141. For input from the user, the fixed digitalaudio player 116 contains user inputs 165, such as buttons or a touchscreen. The fixed digital audio player 116 may also receive infraredinput 168 from a remote control. The user input interface 164 handlesthe actual interface with the user inputs 165 and the infrared input168, while interpretation of these inputs are typically handled bysoftware and firmware running on the processor 155. For output to theuser, the fixed digital audio player 116 may contain a displaycontroller 160, which can provide text and possibly graphical output tothe user on an LCD display 161. Tying of the functional components andprocessor 155 together is typically done using a system bus andperipheral buses 159. Examples of system and peripheral buses 159include Universal Serial Bus, commonly referred to as USB, IEEE 1394,commonly referred to as FireWire, and Peripheral Connect Interface,commonly referred to as PCI. It should be noted that some of thefunctional blocks described might encompass multiple physicalcomponents. As well, multiple functional blocks may be contained in asingle physical component. It should also be noted that a fixed digitalaudio player 116 is not limited to the capabilities and features listedin this description, but may contain a subset of the described featuresor may contain additional capabilities or features not listed.

[0073] Handheld Player

[0074] Many different types of mobile digital audio players 115 aresuitable for use with the present invention. For example, FIG. 12illustrates the general architecture for the handheld player 111. Ingeneral, the handheld player 111 includes a processor 155 for executingvarious software and firmware instructions. The various software andfirmware instructions may be stored in read only memory, or ROM, orflash memory 158 or in player storage 156, such as a hard drive, flashmemory, or removable media. The software and firmware instructions areexecuted by the processor 155 directly from their storage location orare loaded into random access memory or RAM 157 to be executed from RAM157 by the processor 155. Player storage 156 can also be used forstoring digital audio content and other information 101, such asartists, track names, album names, lyrics, and playlists, for laterplayback and presentation to the user. Typically, the digital audiocontent 101 is in some encoded format. The audio decoder 162, forexample, a Texas Instruments digital signal processor, Model No.TMS320VC5416, decodes the digital audio content 101 and passes it to theaudio digital to analog converter 163, or DAC. The audio DAC 163, forexample, a Texas Instruments Model No. TLC320AD77C converts the decodedaudio to analog and then provides audio output 166 from the handheldplayer 111. The audio output 166 of a handheld player 111 may be used todrive headphones.

[0075] Communication using a wireless network or wireless communicationplatform 104 by the handheld player 111 with the computing platforms103, other mobile digital audio players 115, and fixed digital audioplayers 116 is done using an internal or external wireless networkinterface or wireless communication interface 141. For input from theuser, the handheld player 111 contains user inputs 165, such as buttonsor a touch screen. The user input interface 164 handles the actualinterface with the user inputs 165, while interpretation of these inputsare typically handled by software and firmware running on the processor155. For output to the user, the handheld player 111 may contain adisplay controller 160, for example, an embedded display controller in aMotorola MC68EZ328 controller, which can provide text and possiblygraphical output to the user on an LCD display 161. Tying of thefunctional components and processor 155 together is typically done usinga system bus and peripheral buses 159. Examples of system and peripheralbuses 159 include Universal Serial Bus, commonly referred to as USB,IEEE 1394, commonly referred to as FireWire, and Peripheral ConnectInterface, commonly referred to as PCI. It should be noted that some ofthe functional blocks described might encompass multiple physicalcomponents. As well, multiple functional blocks may be contained in asingle physical component. It should also be noted that a handheldplayer 111 is not limited to the capabilities and features listed inthis description, but may contain a subset of the described features ormay contain additional capabilities or features not listed. AutomotivePlayer

[0076] Another type of mobile digital audio player 115 is the automotiveplayer 110, whose general architecture is shown in FIG. 13. In general,the automotive player 110 includes a processor 155 that is responsiblefor executing various software and firmware instructions. The varioussoftware and firmware components are typically stored in read onlymemory, or ROM, or flash memory 158 or in player storage 156, such as ahard drive, flash memory, or removable media. The software and firmwareinstructions are executed by the processor 155 directly from theirstorage location or are loaded into random access memory or RAM 157 tobe executed from RAM 157 by the processor 155. Player storage 156 canalso be used for storing digital audio content and other information101, such as artists, track names, album names, lyrics, and playlists,for later playback and presentation to the user.

[0077] Typically, the digital audio content 101 is in some encodedformat. The audio decoder 162 decodes the digital audio content 101 andpasses it to the audio digital to analog converter 163 or DAC. The audioDAC 163 converts the decoded audio to analog and then provides audiooutput 167 from the automotive player 110. The audio output 167 of anautomotive player 110 typically feeds a conventional audio amplifier,which then drives the car speakers. Communication using a wirelessnetwork or wireless communication platform 104 by the automotive player110 with computing platforms 103, other mobile digital audio players115, and fixed digital audio players 116 is done using an internal orexternal wireless network interface or wireless communication interface141.

[0078] For input from the user, the automotive player 110 contains userinputs 165, such as buttons or a touch screen. The user input interface164 handles the actual interface with the user inputs 165, whileinterpretation of these inputs are typically handled by software andfirmware running on the processor 155. In addition, an automotive player110 may support voice commands for user input. If voice commands aresupported, a microphone 174 is used to feed analog audio to the audioanalog to digital converter 173, which converts the analog audio todigital. Then, the audio capture hardware 172 and the processor 155 willinterpret the voice commands from the user. For output to the user, theautomotive player 110 may contain a display controller 160, which canprovide text and possibly graphical output to the user on an LCD display161. Tying of the functional components and processor 155 together maybe accomplished by way of a system bus and peripheral buses 159.Examples of suitable system and peripheral buses 159 include UniversalSerial Bus, commonly referred to as USB, IEEE 1394, commonly referred toas FireWire, and Peripheral Connect Interface, commonly referred to asPCI.

[0079] It should be noted that some of the functional blocks describedmight encompass multiple physical components. As well, multiplefunctional blocks may be contained in a single physical component. Itshould also be noted that an automotive player 110 is not limited to thecapabilities and features listed in this description, but may contain asubset of the described features or may contain additional capabilitiesor features not listed.

[0080] Rack Player

[0081] There are many different types of fixed digital audio players116. FIG. 14 demonstrates the general architecture for a rack player113. In general, a rack player 113 includes a processor 155 that isresponsible for executing various software and firmware instructions.The various software and firmware instructions may be stored in readonly memory, or ROM, or flash memory 158 or in player storage 156, suchas a hard drive, flash memory, or removable media. The software andfirmware instructions may be executed by the processor 155 directly fromtheir storage location or loaded into random access memory or RAM 157 tobe executed from RAM 157 by the processor 155. Player storage 156 canalso be used for storing digital audio content and other information101, such as artists, track names, album names, lyrics, and playlists,for later playback and presentation to the user. Typically, the digitalaudio content 101 is in some encoded format. The audio decoder 162decodes the digital audio content 101 and passes it to the audio digitalto analog converter 163, or DAC. The audio DAC 163 converts the decodedaudio to analog and then provides audio output 167 from the rack player113. The audio output 167 of a rack player 113 typically is passed to astereo system 114. Communication using a wireless network or wirelesscommunication platform 104 by the rack player 113 with computingplatforms 103, mobile digital audio players 115, and other fixed digitalaudio players 116 is done using an internal or external wireless networkinterface or wireless communication interface 141. For input from theuser, the rack player 113 contains user inputs 165, such as buttons or atouch screen. The rack player 113 may also receive infrared input 168from a remote control. The user input interface 164 handles the actualinterface with the user inputs 165 and the infrared input 168, whileinterpretation of these inputs are typically handled by software andfirmware running on the processor 155. For output to the user, the rackplayer 113 may contain a display controller 160, which can provide textand possibly graphical output to the user on an LCD display 161. Tyingconnection of the functional components and processor 155 together maybe accomplished by way of a system bus and peripheral buses 159.Examples of suitable system and peripheral buses 159 include UniversalSerial Bus, commonly referred to as USB, IEEE 1394, commonly referred toas FireWire, and Peripheral Connect Interface, commonly referred to asPCI.

[0082] It should be noted that some of the functional blocks describedmight encompass multiple physical components. As well, multiplefunctional blocks may be contained in a single physical component. Itshould also be noted that a rack player 113 is not limited to thecapabilities and features listed in this description, but may contain asubset of the described features or may contain additional capabilitiesor features not listed.

[0083] Stand-Alone Player

[0084] Another type of fixed digital audio player 116 is the stand-aloneplayer 112, whose general architecture is shown in FIG. 15. In general,a stand-alone player 112 includes a processor 155 that is responsiblefor executing various software and firmware instructions. The varioussoftware and firmware components are typically stored in read onlymemory, or ROM, or flash memory 158 or in player storage 156, such as ahard drive, flash memory, or removable media. The software and firmwarecomponents are executed by the processor 155 directly from their storagelocation or are loaded into random access memory or RAM 157 to beexecuted from RAM 157 by the processor 155. Player storage 156 can alsobe used for storing digital audio content and other information 101,such as artists, track names, album names, lyrics, and playlists, forlater playback and presentation to the user. Typically, the digitalaudio content 101 is in some encoded format. The audio decoder 162decodes the digital audio content 101 and passes it to the audio digitalto analog converter 163, or DAC. The audio DAC 163 converts the decodedaudio to analog. The analog audio from a stand-alone player 112typically directly drives speakers 170 attached to the stand-aloneplayer 112. Communication using a wireless network or wirelesscommunication platform 104 by the stand-alone player 112 with computingplatforms 103, mobile digital audio players 115, and other fixed digitalaudio players 116 is done using an internal or external wireless networkinterface or wireless communication interface 141. For input from theuser, the stand-alone player 112 contains user inputs 165, such asbuttons or a touch screen. The stand-alone player 112 may also receiveinfrared input 168 from a remote control. The user input interface 164handles the actual interface with the user inputs 165 and the infraredinput 168, while interpretation of these inputs are typically handled bysoftware and firmware running on the processor 155. For output to theuser, the stand-alone player 112 may contain a display controller 160,which can provide text and possibly graphical output to the user on anLCD display 161. Connection of the functional components and processor155 together is typically done using a system bus and peripheral buses159. Examples of suitable system and peripheral buses 159 includeUniversal Serial Bus, commonly referred to as USB, IEEE 1394, commonlyreferred to as FireWire, and Peripheral Connect Interface, commonlyreferred to as PCI.

[0085] It should be noted that some of the functional blocks describedmight encompass multiple physical components. As well, multiplefunctional blocks may be contained in a single physical component. Itshould also be noted that a stand-alone player 112 is not limited to thecapabilities and features listed in this description, but may contain asubset of the described features or may contain additional capabilitiesor features not listed.

[0086] Audio Gateway Software

[0087] FIGS. 16 to 20 provide flow diagrams for the audio gatewayembodiment of this invention. In these flow diagrams, the software isassumed to be running in a multitasking environment, with each of theflow diagrams representing a particular independently running task orprocess. However, it should be noted that these flow diagrams representonly one of many different ways to implement the key softwarefunctionality for the audio gateway and that many other implementationsare possible, including those which do not require a multitaskingenvironment.

[0088] Audio Gateway Message Handling Flow

[0089]FIG. 16 provides the flow diagram of the message handler for theaudio gateway. In general, the message handler takes the messagesreceived from other computing platforms 103, mobile digital audioplayers 115, and fixed digital audio players 116 on the wireless networkor wireless communication platform 104 and queues these messages for useby other processes or handles them itself, depending on the messagetype. In this embodiment, the message handler is a continuously runningprocess. The step, “Start” 200, represents the beginning of the messagehandling process. The message handler checks if there is a messagereceived in step 201.

[0090] If a message has been received, the message handler then checksto see what type of message it is, among many possible types, asindicated in steps 202-212. After the message handler determines thetype of message, an appropriate response is queued and the systemreturns to step 201 and checks for additional messages. If the messageis a broadcast response message from a player 202, then the messagehandler queues the broadcast response message 203. If the message is aquery response message from a player 204, then the message handlerqueues the query response message in step 205. If the message is a pollresponse message from a player 206, then the message handler queues thepoll response message in step 207. If the message is a playlist responsemessage from a player 208, then the message handler queues the playlistresponse message in step 209. If the message is a content responsemessage from a player 210, then the message handler queues the contentresponse message in step 211. If the message is a content acknowledgemessage from a player 212, then the message handler queues the contentacknowledge message in step 213. If the message was none of thosepreviously checked for, the message handler handles or queues any othermessages as necessary 214.

[0091] Audio Gateway Discovery Flow

[0092] Discovery of mobile digital audio players 115 and fixed digitalaudio players 116 within range of the audio gateway, on the wirelessnetwork or wireless communication platform 104, is an importantcapability with respect to this invention. FIG. 17 provides the flowdiagram for discovery by the audio gateway of mobile digital audioplayers 115 and fixed digital audio players 116. In this example, theaudio gateway discovery handler is a continuously running process. Thestep “Start” 220, represents the beginning of the discovery handlingprocess. In order to get a message response from the mobile digitalaudio players 115 and fixed digital audio players 116, the discoveryhandler sends a broadcast for players message in step 221. The discoveryhandler then waits, with a timeout, for example, 5 seconds, for abroadcast response message from any players in step 222. The discoveryhandler then checks if there is a player broadcast response message inthe queue in step 223. If there is no response, then the discoveryhandler broadcasts again for players. If there is a response, then thediscovery handler sends a query player message to a responding player instep 224 to get information about the type of player that has responded.The discovery handler then waits, with some timeout, for a player queryresponse message in step 225 from the player that previously respondedto the broadcast. The discovery handler then checks if there is a queryresponse message in the queue in step 226. If there is no response, thenthe discovery handler broadcasts again for players. If there is aresponse, then the discovery handler checks the information returned inthe query response message to see if the player is already known in step227. If the player is already known, then the discovery handlerbroadcasts again for players. However, a player is unlikely to respondto a broadcast from an audio gateway when the player and audio gatewayalready know about each other. If the player is not already known, thenthe discovery handler adds the player to the list of players inproximity in step 228 of the audio gateway. Finally, the discoveryhandler flags the new player in proximity for playlist continuation instep 229 and for content synchronization in step 230. This allows theplaylist continuation handler in the audio gateway to capture thecurrent playlist and current selection from this new player for possiblebroadcast to other players. Also, this allows the contentsynchronization handler in the audio gateway to automatically downloaddigital audio content and other information 101 cached on the audiogateway to the new player.

[0093] Audio Gateway Dropout Detection Flow

[0094] The flow diagram for audio gateway detection of dropout ofplayers is shown in FIG. 18. The dropout detection handler in the audiogateway polls players that are known to be in proximity in order to seeif any of the players has possibly gone out of range of the wirelessnetwork or wireless communication platform 104 or has been turned off.In this example, the dropout detection handler is a continuously runningprocess. The step, “Start” 240, represents the beginning of the dropoutdetection handling process. The dropout detection handler checks thelist of players in proximity 241 maintained by the audio gateway. Ifthere are players in proximity as determined in step 242, then thedropout detection handler sends a poll message to the next player inproximity in the proximity list in step 243. This allows all the playersin the list of players in proximity to be checked in a sequentialmanner. Then the dropout detection handler waits, with some timeout, fora poll response message from the player in step 244 that was sent thepoll message in step 243. If there is no poll response message from theplayer in the queue in step 245 then the dropout detection handlerchecks if the player is already flagged as possibly being out of rangein step 246 of the wireless network or wireless communication platform104. If the player is not already flagged as possibly out of range 246,then the dropout detection handler flags that the player is possibly outof range in step 247 and checks the list of players in proximity again.If the player is already flagged as possibly out of range in step 246,then the dropout detection handler removes the player from the list ofplayers in proximity in step 248 and checks the list of players inproximity in step 241 again. If the player poll response message is inthe queue in step 245, then the dropout detection handler clears thepossibly out of range flag in step 249 for the player in the list ofplayers in proximity. Next, the dropout detection handler checks if theplayer is requesting content synchronization in step 250, based oninformation passed in the poll response message from the player. If theplayer is requesting content synchronization, then the dropout detectionhandler flags the player for content synchronization in step 251 in thelist of players in proximity. The content synchronization handler usesthis information when deciding which players to update for digital audiocontent and other information 101. Once the player is flagged forcontent synchronization or the player is not requesting contentsynchronization, then the dropout detection handler checks if the playeris requesting playlist continuation in step 252, based on informationpassed in the poll response message from the player. If the player isrequesting playlist continuation, then the dropout detection handlerflags the player for playlist continuation in step 253 in the list ofplayers in proximity. The playlist continuation handler uses thisinformation when deciding which players to update the playlist andcurrent selection for. Once the player is flagged for playlistcontinuation in step 253 or the player is not requesting playlistcontinuation in step 252, then the dropout detection handler checks thelist of players in proximity in step 241 again.

[0095] Audio Gateway Content Synchronization Flow

[0096] The flow diagram for audio gateway content synchronization isshown in FIG. 19, with content synchronization being a key capability ofthe invention. The content synchronization handler in the audio gatewaychecks for players that need content synchronization. Contentsynchronization involves updating or adding digital audio content andother information 101 to a player when the audio gateway has digitalaudio content and other information 101 that is not contained on theplayer. This may be handled automatically when the player has recentlybeen discovered as being in proximity by the gateway discovery handleror the player directly requests content synchronization through pollresponse messages to the gateway. In this example, the contentsynchronization handler is a continuously running process. The step,“Start” 260, represents the beginning of the content synchronizationhandling process. The content synchronization handler checks the list ofplayers in proximity in step 261 maintained by the gateway. If there areplayers in proximity flagged for content synchronization in step 262,then the content synchronization handler sends a query player forcontent message to the player in step 263 that is flagged for contentsynchronization. Next, the content synchronization handler waits, withsome timeout, for a player content response message in step 264. Ifthere is no content response message in the queue in step 265 from theplayer that was sent the query player for content message in step 263,then the content synchronization handler clears the contentsynchronization flag for the player in the proximity list in step 266and checks the list of players in proximity again. If there is a contentresponse message in the queue in step 265 from the player that was sentthe query player for content message, then the gateway compares thedigital audio content in the player with the digital audio content inthe gateway in step 267. The player's digital audio content informationis contained in the content response message sent to the gateway by theplayer. Next, the content synchronization handler checks if there is anycontent in the gateway that is not on the player in step 268. If theplayer content is properly synchronized with the gateway, then thecontent synchronization handler clears the content synchronization flagfor the player in the proximity list and checks the list of players inproximity in step 261 again. If there is content on the gateway that isnot on the player in step 268, then the content synchronization handlerchecks if there is storage on the player for the new content in step269. The available storage on the player is provided in the contentresponse message that the player sent to the gateway. If there is notsufficient storage on the player for the new content in step 269, thenthe content synchronization handler clears the content synchronizationflag for the player in the proximity list in step 266 and checks thelist of players in proximity in step 261 again. If there is storage onthe player for the new content as determined in step 269, then thecontent synchronization handler sends the content data to the player instep 270. Next, the content synchronization handler waits, with sometimeout, for the content acknowledge message from the player in step271. If there is no content acknowledge message in the queue in step272, then the content synchronization handler clears the contentsynchronization flag for the player in the proximity list in step 266and checks the list of players in proximity in step 261 again. If thereis a content acknowledge message in the queue from the player, then thecontent synchronization handler checks to see, from the compare ofcontent in the player with content in the gateway, if there is morecontent to send to the player in step 273. If there is more content tosend to the player then the content synchronization handler checks againif there is storage on the player for the new content in step 269, andso on until there is no more content to pass from the gateway to theplayer. If there is no more content to send to the player, then thecontent synchronization handler clears the content synchronization flagfor the player in the proximity list in step 266 and checks the list ofplayers in proximity in step 261 again.

[0097] Audio Gateway Playlist Continuation Flow

[0098] The flow diagram for audio gateway playlist continuation is shownin FIG. 20, with playlist continuation being a key capability of theinvention. The playlist continuation handler in the audio gateway checksfor propagation of the playlist and current playlist selection from onemobile digital audio player 115 or fixed digital audio player 116 to allother mobile digital audio players 115 and fixed digital audio players116 in proximity. Playlist continuation involves seamless continuationof playback of digital audio content 101 from a particular playlist as auser moves from one mobile digital audio player 115 or fixed digitalaudio player 116 to another. This may be handled automatically when thegateway discovery handler discovers a player as being in proximity,where the player is currently playing digital audio content 101. Theplayer itself may also directly request playlist continuation throughpoll response messages to the gateway.

[0099] In this example, the playlist continuation handler is acontinuously running process. The step, “Start” 280, represents thebeginning of the playlist continuation handling process. The playlistcontinuation handler checks the list of players in proximity in step 281maintained by the gateway. If there are players in proximity flagged forplaylist continuation in step 282, then the playlist continuationhandler sends a query player for playlist message to the player in step283 that is flagged for playlist continuation. Next, the playlistcontinuation handler waits, with some timeout, for a player playlistresponse message in step 284. If there is no playlist response messagein the queue in step 285 from the player that was sent the query playerfor playlist message in step 283, then the playlist continuation handlerclears the playlist continuation flag for the player in the proximitylist in step 286 and checks the list of players in proximity again. Ifthere is a playlist response message in the queue as determined in step285 from the player that was sent the query player for playlist messagein step 283, then the gateway checks the playlist response message tosee if the playlist and current position within the playlist, both ofwhich are contained in the playlist response message, are valid in step287. If the playlist and current position are not valid, then theplaylist continuation handler clears the playlist continuation flag forthe player in the proximity list in step 286 and checks the list ofplayers in proximity again. If the playlist and current position in theplaylist are valid as determined in step 287, then the playlistcontinuation handler checks the list of players in proximity in step288. If there are any other players in proximity as determined in step289, then the playlist continuation handler sends a broadcast playlistand current position message to all other players in proximity in step290. After the playlist continuation handler sends a broadcast playlistand current position message to all other players in proximity in step290 or if there are no other players in proximity, then the playlistcontinuation handler clears the playlist continuation flag for theplayer in the proximity list in step 286 and checks the list of playersin proximity in step 281 again.

[0100] Player Software

[0101] FIGS. 21-27 provide flow diagrams for the various digital audioplayers. In these flow diagrams, the software is assumed to be runningin a multitasking environment, with each of the flow diagramsrepresenting a particular independently running task or process.However, it should be noted that these flow diagrams represent only oneof many different ways to implement the key software functionality forthe player and that many other implementations are possible, includingthose which do not require a multitasking environment.

[0102] Player Message Handling Flow

[0103]FIG. 21 is a flow diagram of the message handler for a player. Ingeneral, the message handler takes the messages received from computingplatforms 103 acting as audio gateways and from other mobile digitalaudio players 115 and fixed digital audio players 116, on a wirelessnetwork or wireless communication platform 104, and queues thesemessages for use by other processes or handles them itself, depending onthe message type. In this example, the message handler is a continuouslyrunning process. The step, “Start” 300, represents the beginning of themessage handling process. The message handler checks if there is amessage received in step 301. If there is a message received, themessage handler then checks to see what type of message it is, amongmany possible types.

[0104] After the message handler determines the type of message anappropriate response is queued and the system returns to step 301 andchecks for additional messages. If the message is a broadcast forplayers message from a gateway as determined in step 302, then themessage handler queues the broadcast for players message in step 303.After the message handler queues the broadcast for players message instep 303, the message handler checks for more messages. If the messageis a query player message from a gateway as determined in step 304, thenthe message handler queues the query player message in step 305. Afterthe message handler queues the query player message in step 305, themessage handler checks for more messages. If the message is a pollmessage from a gateway as determined in 306, then the message handlerqueues the poll message in step 307. After the message handler queuesthe poll message in step 307, the message handler checks for moremessages. If the message is a query player for content message from agateway as determined in 308, then the message handler queues the queryplayer for content message in step 309. After the message handler queuesthe query player for content message in step 309, the message handlerchecks for more messages. If the message is content data from a gatewayin step 310, then the message handler stores the content in local playerstorage in step 311. The message handler also sends a contentacknowledge message to the gateway in step 312. After the messagehandler sends a content acknowledge message to the gateway in step 312,the message handler checks for more messages. If the message is a queryplayer for playlist message from a gateway as determined in step 313,then the message handler queues the query player for playlist message instep 314. After the message handler queues the query player for playlistmessage in step 314, the message handler checks for more messages. Ifthe message is a broadcast playlist message from a gateway as determinedin step 315, then the message handler queues the broadcast playlistmessage in step 316. After the message handler queues the broadcastplaylist message in step 316, the message handler checks for moremessages. Finally, if the message was none of those previously checkedfor, the message handler handles or queues any other messages asnecessary in step 317 and then the message handler checks for moremessages.

[0105] Player Discovery Flow

[0106] Discovery by the audio gateway of mobile digital audio players115 and fixed digital audio players 116 is an important capability withrespect to this invention. FIGS. 22 and 23 provide the flow diagrams fordiscovery responses by the player when the player detects discoveryattempts by an audio gateway. In this example, the player discoverybroadcast response handler and the player discovery query responsehandler are continuously running processes. The step, “Start” 320,represents the beginning of the discovery broadcast response handlingprocess. The discovery broadcast response handler first checks for abroadcast for players message in the queue in step 321 from a gateway.If there is a broadcast for players message in the queue as determinedin 322, then the discovery broadcast response handler checks if thegateway is already in proximity of the player in step 323. The discoverybroadcast response handler is able to get information about the gatewayfrom the broadcast for players message received from the gateway and cancompare that information with information saved by the discovery queryresponse handler for any gateway in proximity. If the gateway is notalready in proximity as determined in step 323, then the discoverybroadcast response handler sends a broadcast acknowledge message to thegateway in step 324. After the discovery broadcast response handlersends the broadcast acknowledge message to the gateway in step 324, orif the gateway is already in proximity as determined in step 323, or ifthere is no broadcast for players message in the queue as determined instep 322, then the discovery broadcast response handler checks for abroadcast for players message in the queue again.

[0107] The step, “Start” 330 (FIG. 23), represents the beginning of thediscovery query response handling process. The discovery query responsehandler first checks for query player messages from a gateway in thequeue in step 331. If there is a query player message in the queue asdetermined in step 332, then the discovery query response handler sendsa query response message to the gateway in step 333 that sent the queryplayer message. Then the discovery query response handler saves that thegateway is in proximity in step 334 from information obtained from thequery player message from the gateway. After the discovery queryresponse handler saves that the gateway is in proximity as determined instep 334 or if there is no query player message in the queue asdetermined in step 332, then the discovery query response handler checksfor a query player message from a gateway in the queue again.

[0108] Player Dropout Detection Flow

[0109] The flow diagram for player dropout detection of an audio gatewayis shown in FIG. 24. The dropout detection handler in the player watchesfor poll messages from an audio gateway in order to see if the playerhas gone out of range of the gateway. In this example, the playerdropout detection handler is a continuously running process. Step,“Start” 340, represents the beginning of the player dropout detectionhandling process. The player dropout detection handler checks if theplayer is in proximity of a gateway in step 341. The player discoveryquery response handler, shown in FIG. 23, saves information about agateway that is in proximity. If the player is not in proximity of agateway as determined in step 341, then the player dropout detectionhandler just continues to check if the player is in proximity of agateway. If the player is in proximity of a gateway as determined instep 341, then the player dropout detection handler waits, with sometimeout, for a poll response message from the gateway in step 342 thatis in proximity. The timeout period is significantly more than thepolling period used by the gateway. If there is not a poll message inthe queue as determined in step 343 from the gateway that is inproximity, then the player dropout detection handler checks if thegateway is already flagged as possibly out of range in step 344. If thegateway is not already flagged as possibly out of range as determined instep 344, then the player dropout detection handler flags that thegateway is possibly out of range in step 345 and then continues to checkif the player is in proximity of a gateway in step 341. If the gatewayis already flagged as possibly out of range as determined in step 344,then the player dropout detection handler removes the gateway as beingin proximity in step 346 and then continues to check if the player is inproximity of a gateway in step 341. If there is a poll message in thequeue as determined in 343 from the gateway that is in proximity, thenthe player dropout detection handler checks if the user requestedcontent synchronization of the player in step 347. If the user didrequest content synchronization of the player as determined in step 347,then the player dropout detection handler flags a contentsynchronization request in the poll response message in step 348 to thegateway in proximity. If the user did not request contentsynchronization of the player, then the player dropout detection handlerskips flagging of content synchronization in the poll response messagein step 348. Next, the player dropout detection handler checks if theuser requested playlist continuation for the player in step 349. If theuser did request playlist continuation for the player as determined instep 349, then the player dropout detection handler flags a playlistcontinuation request in the poll response message in step 350 to thegateway in proximity. If the user did not request playlist continuationfor the player as determined in step 349, then the player dropoutdetection handler skips flagging of playlist continuation in the pollresponse message in step 350. Next, the player dropout detection handlersends the poll response message to the gateway in step 351 that is inproximity and sent the poll message. Next, the player dropout detectionhandler clears the gateway possibly out of range flag in step 352 if itwas set for the gateway in proximity. Then the player dropout detectionhandler continues to check if the player is in proximity of a gateway asdetermined in step 341.

[0110] Player Content Synchronization Flow

[0111] The flow diagram for player content synchronization response isshown in FIG. 25, with content synchronization being a key capability ofthe invention. The content synchronization response handler in theplayer responds to content queries from a gateway. In this example, thecontent synchronization response handler is a continuously runningprocess. The step, “Start” 360, represents the beginning of the contentsynchronization response handling process. The content synchronizationresponse handler checks for a query player content message in the queuein step 361 from a gateway. If there is a query player content messagein the queue as determined in step 362, then the content synchronizationresponse handler builds a content response message by first getting alist of all the digital audio content on the player in 363. Next, thecontent synchronization response handler determines the amount ofavailable storage space on the player in step 364 for additional digitalaudio content. Finally, the content synchronization response handlersends a player content response message in step 365 to the gateway thatsent the query player content message. The player content responsemessage contains the list of all the digital audio content on the playeras well as the amount of available space on the player. Once the contentsynchronization response handler sends a player content responsemessage, as determined in step 365, to the gateway that sent the queryplayer content message or there is no query player content message inthe queue in step 362, then the content synchronization response handlerchecks for a query player content message in the queue again.

[0112] Player Playlist Continuation Flow

[0113]FIGS. 26 and 27 represent flow diagrams for playlist continuationresponse and playlist continuation updating by the player when theplayer detects playlist continuation query and updating attempts by anaudio gateway. Playlist continuation is a key capability of theinvention. In this example, the player playlist response handler and theplayer playlist update handler are continuously running processes. Thestep, “Start” 380, represents the beginning of the playlist responsehandling process. First, the playlist response handler checks for aquery player for playlist message in the queue in step 381 from agateway in proximity. If there is a query player for playlist message inthe queue as determined in step 382, then the playlist response handlergets the current playlist and current position within the playlist instep 383 and puts this information in a playlist response message. Next,the playlist response handler sends the playlist response message to thegateway in step 384 that sent the query player for playlist message.After the playlist response handler sends the playlist response messageto the gateway as determined 384 or there is not a query player forplaylist message in the queue as determined in step 382, then theplaylist response handler checks for a query player for playlistsmessage 381 in the queue again.

[0114] The step, “Start” 390 (FIG. 27), represents the beginning of theplaylist update handling process. First the playlist update handlerchecks for a broadcast playlist message in step 391 in the queue from agateway in proximity. If there is not a broadcast playlist message inthe queue as determine in step 392, then the playlist update handlerjust checks for a broadcast playlist message in the queue again. Ifthere is a broadcast playlist message in the queue, as determined instep 392, then the playlist update handler checks if the playlistalready exists on the player in step 393. The playlist information isfound in the broadcast playlist message. If the playlist already existson the player, as determined in step 393, then the playlist updatehandler activates the playlist and sets the current position within theplaylist in step 394 on the player. The current position within theplaylist is found in the broadcast playlist message. Then the playlistupdate handler checks for a broadcast playlist message in step 391 inthe queue again. If the playlist does not already exist on the player asdetermined in step 393, then the playlist update handler saves the newplaylist on the player in step 395. Next, the playlist update handlerchecks if the player is currently playing in step 396. If the player isnot currently playing, then the playlist update handler sets the newplaylist as the current playlist in step 397 and sets the currentposition within the playlist in step 394. If the player is currentlyplaying, then the playlist update handler notifies the user that a newplaylist is available in step 398. This allows the user to decide toplay the new playlist or continue with a current playlist. Next, theplaylist update handler checks for a broadcast playlist message in step391 in the queue again.

[0115] Obviously, many modifications and variations of the presentinvention are possible in light of the above teachings. Thus, it is tobe understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, theinvention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically describedabove.

[0116] What is claimed and desired to be covered by a Letters Patent isas follows:

We claim:
 1. A local wireless communication network for digital audioplayers, the network comprising: a host; a first wireless communicationplatform coupled to said host; and one or more digital audio playershaving a second wireless communication platform coupled to each of saidone or more digital audio players for establishing a communication linkbetween said host and said one or more digital audio players.
 2. Thenetwork as recited in claim 1, wherein said host and said first wirelesscommunication platform are configured as a gateway.
 3. The network asrecited in claim 2, wherein said host is a personal computing platform.4. The network as recited in claim 2, wherein said host is a set topbox.
 5. The network as recited in claim 2, wherein said host is a standalone audio gateway.
 6. A local wireless communication network fordigital audio players, the network comprising: one or more digital audioplayers; and one or more wireless communication platforms, said one ormore wireless communication platforms coupled to said one or moredigital audio players for establishing a communication link between atleast two of said one or more digital audio players.